Ernest William Lara

Ernest Lara was born October 29, 1923 in Santa Clara, CA. to William and Rafaela Lara. He was the eldest son and had two sisters Beatrice and Alice (deceased). He also had one brother, Herbert (deceased). He was baptized at St. Clare’s Catholic Church where he also attended school at St. Clare’s School through the 8th grade. His devotion for his religion continued throughout his life. His was a lector and Eucharistic Minister at his parish for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He went to Santa Clara High School where he graduated in 1943 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. He proceeded to Tennessee for Basic Training and then Advanced Individual Training at Fort Hood, TX. After training he was sent to the European Campaign in World War II. He proudly served in the “Tank Destroyer Battalion”. Ernie landed at Ponte Haute, France ten days after the June 6th, 1944 D-Day Normandy Invasion. He was a member of the 821st Tank Battalion. His specialties included field artillery, gunner, cannoneer and half-track driver. His decorations and citations included European Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Metal. He was discharged from the Army January 4th,1946. Ernie Lara had two professions during his life time. He worked as a journeyman auto mechanic for thirty years and then went to college to attain his teaching degree to teach auto mechanics. He had students at Galvan College and also at the Center for Employment Training. He taught for twenty years. He enjoyed his years as an instructor and many students benefited from his knowledge of auto mechanics.From 1960 to 1965 Ernie built engines and raced go-karts at Silver Creek Speedway in San Jose. He originally told Olivia he bought the go-kart for his son Billy who was four years old at the time. It was enjoyed by Ernie and his oldest daughter Carol who spent summers at the race track with David Maes his brother-in-law. His passion was coaching his sons in PAL Football and Quito Little League Baseball. In 1978 his midget football team won the northern California championship with a record of 14 wins and zero losses. His love for football continued throughout his life to include attending every Pop Warner Football game of his grandson Presley. He was one of the original 49er fans starting with their beginning in 1946. For forty years he enjoyed the sierras. Many years as a family they went camping at Pinecrest and later he built a cabin in Twain Harte, California. He loved his cabin and invited all friends and family to join him. Many holidays and summers were enjoyed at the cabin that Ernie built. Ernie loved to take things apart and then put them back together. At a young age his Mama bought him a bicycle, the very next day his Mama found it in pieces. She was heartbroken and cried. Ernie said “Don’t worry Mama, I can fix it. Of course he put all back together perfectly. Throughout his life he restored no less than ten Mustangs. At 83 years old he built from the ground up a 1934 Ford, which is a replica of the first car he owned. This project of his love for cars will be saved for his grandson Presley to keep and enjoy knowing it was made with his grandfather’s loving hands. Ernie maintain his high school weight all his life by jogging, working out at the gym, hard physical labor and his love of dancing which he and Olivia enjoyed up to the last year of his life. While Ernie was in the hospital he always wanted to go home to see his cherished dog “Bear”. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Olivia Lara. There were married July 23, 1957. He is also survived by his children Carol Lara of Washington, Dee Dee Lara-Heflin (Mike) of Gilroy, CA, Billy Lara (Norma) of Gilroy, CA, Bobby Lara of Santa Clara, CA. David Lara of Campbell, CA and Ron Lara(Fran) of Chico, CA. His Grandchildren are Presley Lara, Barbara Cantwell, Kristina Agnoletti, Juanita Potter and Greg Lara. His great-grandchildren are Robert, Ryan and Reid Cantwell and Mason Potter. His family would like to thank everyone whose life our father touched.